Bountiful Boxes

Eleven months ago I suffered a serious hand injury via my table saw. Three surgeries and many therapy sessions later, I returned to woodworking a little over a month ago. During my down time, I vowed that upon return to my shop, the first things to be made would be gifts for my caretakers. True to my word, I began by making two ribbon and bow boxes, one for my surgeon, Dr. Bhatt and one for my first and primary therapist, Laura. Once those were completed, I started on a tea box for my surgeon’s office assistant, Jen.

Bow boxes and tea boxes are already amongst my posted projects so I hesitated to even make this post. However, as you know, no two projects are exactly alike and regarding the bow boxes I did make a major change. The concept and plans for the bow boxes appeared in the August 2012 issue of American Woodworker magazine. The original box is rather small so I decided to make larger ones. These measure out at 8-1/2” by 11” and 2” tall not including the bow. I also added felt to the inside bottom in case they are used for jewelry. One of the photos shows the size comparison.

The top and bottom of the boxes are Baltic birch plywood and the sides are solid birch. The ribbon and bows are a lamination of bloodwood and birch. The finish is spray-on shellac. The tea box is from curly maple and walnut and features double dovetail joinery. The lid is a frame of walnut around a bookmatched panel of curly maple. I finished the tea box with Bush Oil topped with wipe-on satin polyurethane and a coat of rubbed out wax over that.

I presented the gifts today and while the recipients were surprised and happy with the gifts, I think I was more delighted in seeing their faces light up and with their expressions of gratitude. It truly is more blessed to give than receive.

I was unable to get a photo of Laura, my therapist, but here is one of my surgeon, Dr. Bhatt:

And here is one with her assistant, Jen:

I am close to completing a gift for two other therapists I saw after Laura and will post those projects when they are finished. It is so great to be back in the shop making things. I usually hate to change the bag on my dust collector. For the first time, I was delighted to see that I had filled the bag! Thanks for stopping by. Be safe my friends!

-- On the eighth day God was back in His woodworking shop! Lenny, East Providence, RI

It’s great see that your woodworking spirit has endure this minor set back, glad to see your posting once again. The bow ties on your box adds a real touch of class. It’s awfully nice of you to thank these health care professional with your own woodworking talents, I bet they were touch by your kindness as well as getting to meet such a out going and caring individual ….class Lenny real class …..Blkcherry

Lenny the workmanship in these boxes is first rate so I see you haven’t lost a step despite your layoff due to your injuries. You’ve made me want to try the double dovetail on a future box as it really adds beauty to the tea box you made. I’m sure all the recipients appreciate your kindness to them.

Thank you Ellen, David and Dave. Steve, thank you too. I had forgotten about that piece for your DC. Wow, that seems so long ago. Wilson and Lorna, thank you for the kind comments. Lorna, the double dovetails become second nature after awhile. Thank you christopheralan.

-- On the eighth day God was back in His woodworking shop! Lenny, East Providence, RI

Those boxes are beautiful Lenny, they look great. Even though I am new to Lumberjocks and this is the first post I have seen from you. I am so happy for you recovery and that you are back. Look forward to seeing more quality project posted from you.